clinician in charge to determine whether a condition is related to Service and to allocate priority. Except in exceptional circumstances, the extension does not apply to anyone who had already been referred to treatment or who was already undergoing treatment before the new arrangements came into effect. To prioritise them could affect other people who have already received dates for appointments. It is important to note that a veteran who has a disorder recognised as qualifying for priority treatment does not then automatically fulfil the criteria for an award of a war pension or Armed Forces Compensation Scheme payment. Veterans given priority treatment are encouraged to contact the Veterans- UK helpline on 0800 169 2277 to discuss eligibility under the schemes. Veterans who are not war pensioners do not have the same access to free prescriptions that war pensioners receive. Veterans are able to use the NHS complaints system in the same way as war pensioners to resolve any breakdowns in the arrangements for priority treatment.
For more information, visit
www.veterans-uk.info/vets_issues/ healthcare.htm
Inheritance Tax
Exemptions for Veterans Under s154 of the Inheritance Tax Act, the Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), part of the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency, can grant exemptions from Inheritance Tax (IHT) on the estate of serving military personnel who die whilst on active service against the enemy or other service of a war-like nature. Exemptions can also be granted on the estate of those who die in retirement where it can be shown that death was due to or hastened by an injury or illness sustained on, or aggravated by, past military service that meets the requirements of the Act even if the death occurs many years later. However, there is no automatic exemption for serving military personnel, or veterans, and the award of a war pension is no guarantee that an IHT exemption will also be granted. Each case has to be considered on its merits after the death of the individual concerned and in the case of those dying in retirement will require the JCCC’s medical advisers to be given access to the deceased’s full medical history. Further information on IHT exemptions can be obtained from the Deceased Estates Office of the JCCC.
The Mercian Eagle
Left, Right and Centre
Portland College provides assessment and training for serving and retired military personnel.
In 2008, Portland College was approached with a view to providing re-training facilities for ex-service personnel with disabilities. This initiative has now been extended to serving regular and reserve forces personnel. Their vision is for injured service personnel to have the necessary support, guidance, assessment, education and training to enable them to leave the Armed Forces with dignity and confidence, together with the greatest chance possible of a successful return to civilian life.
They believe that many seriously injured Forces personnel would be better served by non-retention in the Forces, assuming that they are not sufficiently fit to return to active duty. The service offering and experience of staff at Portland College means that they are very well placed to provide a complete follow-on support service as part of the recuperation and rehabilitation process; they are currently one of only two Colleges in UK offering this service. Their aim is to provide a wide range of assessments, retraining, resettlement and independence support programmes to provide orientation to civil life. Some of the services provided at Portland include physical and psychological therapy, vocational training, practical independence skills and support in securing civilian employment; a Royal British Legion Professional Caseworker is available on site.
The College deals with a broad spectrum of disabilities such as physical, learning and emotional and they have a huge range of specialist skills on their team. These
include specialists in dealing with acquired brain injury (ABI), assertive and adaption technologies (AAT), and augmentative and alternative communications (AAC). Portland College is now working actively with the Army in the setting up of the ARC Project (Army Recovery Capability). Through their work with military personnel, they have forged close links with Hedley Court, The Royal British Legion, The Regular Forces Employment Association and the Army Welfare Services. Portland College holds Preferred Supplier Status with The Career Transition Partnership which supplies re-training for the Services and Ministry Of Defence through Right Management. This emphasises their credentials as one of the foremost centres for service personnel and is an accreditation which they are proud to hold. They believe that their commitment to re-training service personnel is part of the Military Covenant between the Armed Forces and the Government of the day. To date, since Portland College opened its doors to students in 1950, 17% of all students have been military personnel or veterans.
For more information, please contact Bill Dixon-Dodds on 01623 499181 or via e-mail at
billdixondodds@portland.ac.uk or at
Bill Dixon-Dodds BSc (Hons) Business Development Consultant (HM Forces) Portland College Nottingham Road Mansfield, NG18 4TJ
Blacks Leisure 15%
Discount Card Blacks Leisure Group is pleased to announce the launch of a new specialist group discount scheme for all military personnel in The Midlands. Included in the scheme is a free discount card which will entitle the bearer to a 15% Discount in all stores throughout the UK and Ireland. Registration is quick and simple:
1. Send an email to
steve.broome@
blacks.co.uk with the following information:
a) Full Name
b) Full Home Address (including Post Code)
c) Telephone Number (mobile or landline)
d) Personal e-mail address (please enter your Barracks name in the subject box)
2. Visit your local store to collect your card. You will be required to produce your Identity Card as proof of employment.
For further information, please contact Steve Broome, Specialist Group Adviser, Blacks Leisure Group, tel: 07585 900526 or
steve.broome@
blacks.co.uk
October 2010 137
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